IN SPORT.ES
Barcelona have complained about FIFA’s four match ban on Lionel Messi.
The club leapt to the defence of their star after the harsh treatment by world football’s governing body after he insulted an assistant referee during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying.
A Barcelona statement read: "FC Barcelona expresses its surprise and indignation at the ex officio action by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee by suspending the player Leo Messi following the FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture between Argentina and Chile.
"The club considers the four-match suspension finally imposed on the Argentine player to be unfair and totally disproportionate.
"Finally, FC Barcelona wishes to reiterate its support for Leo Messi, an exemplary player in terms of conduct both on and off the pitch."